The Ductal Plate From the Inside Out: An Illustrated Review of Fibropolycystic Liver Disease

Abstract

Fibropolycystic liver disease is a continuum of disorders that result from insults to the ductal plate at different stages of development and are often associated with each other. Caroli's syndrome, polycystic liver disease, biliary hamartomas, and congenital hepatic fibrosis are included in this complex spectrum that also shows frequent association with renal anomalies, such as polycystic kidney disease and medullary sponge kidney. Choledochal cysts are a controversial point in this topic since they have long been considered part of this spectrum due to morphological similarities, but studies have shown different pathogenesis. This article's purpose is to review these abnormalities through a multimodality radiological perspective offering correlation with its key embryological aspects. Knowing these numerous anomalies and their possible associations may ease an accurate diagnosis and prompt management.